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      Man Utd flop Wout Weghorst lucky to escape red card after lashing out at Nottingham Forest rival in last seconds of game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Wout Weghorst was fortunate to escape a red card after lashing out at Nottingham Forest star Moussa Niakhate.The striker was brought on as a second-half substitute with United chasing a second goal.

      Moussa Niakhate and Wout Weghorst tussled for a loose ballCredit: Sky Sports
      Weghorst was unhappy at being manhandled and lashed out to get freeCredit: Sky Sports
      Some fans felt he threw a punch at the Nottingham Forest star and deserved a red cardCredit: Sky Sports
      Niakhate demonstrated with Weghorst after the incidentCredit: Getty
      They found it through Diogo Dalot but with the match petering out there was almost one final twist.
      Weghorst, 30, battled with Niakhate as he attempted to reach a through ball.
      The Forest defender appeared to pull him back, leading a frustrated Weghorst to lash out.
      The forward seemed to strike Niakhate with his right hand, causing the Frenchman to fall to the floor clutching his face.
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      Referee Simon Hooper waved play on and VAR decided not to intervene, but Gary Neville thought Weghorst was “asking for trouble”.
      Some fans felt Weghorst’s actions deserved a red card, claiming he punched Niakhate.
      One supporter said: “That should be a red card, Weghorst tried to punch Niakhaté.”
      Another added: “Should be shown red to Weghorst. He’s mad.”
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      A third wrote: “Weghorst getting away with a punch off the ball 😂”
      And another commented: “Weghorst lucky to not get red card.” More

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      Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey reveals why West Ham penalty against Arsenal should NOT have been overturned

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has revealed why West Ham’s penalty against Arsenal was NOT overturned.The Gunners were frustrated with the call that gave the Hammers the opportunity to get back in the game at 2-0 down.
      Mark Halsey has praised David Coote for his decisions in the West Ham vs Arsenal gameCredit: PA
      West Ham were offered a route back into the game when Lucas Paqueta was fouled in the boxCredit: EPA
      After Thomas Partey was caught in possession by Declan Rice, the ball was squared to Lucas Paqueta who was clipped by Gabriel in the box, despite the defender’s best efforts to avoid contact with his fellow Brazilian.
      David Coote immediately pointed to the spot, with VAR confirming the call – gifting West Ham their first goal.
      Some Arsenal fans weren’t convinced there was enough contact for a penalty to be given.
      While others pointed to an apparent handball by Rice while dispossessing Partey.
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      But Halsey, now 61, refereed in the Premier League from 1999-2013 – and he believes the Paqueta penalty was the right call.
      He told SunSport: “Lucas Paqueta went past Gabriel and it’s clear the Arsenal defender caught him so it was an obvious penalty.
      “It was a careless challenge and Arsenal cannot have any complaints.
      “There were suggestions Declan Rice handled the ball in the build up, but even if there was contact, it looked to be accidental and accidental handball is not an offence.
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      “VAR would not get involved in that situation because it was subjective.”
      Arsenal, themselves, were awarded a second half penalty when Michail Antonio was adjudged to have handled in the box.
      Again, Coote had no hesitations in pointing to the spot, which was the right decision again, according to Halsey.
      “The law is clear, if you’re making yourself bigger and your arms are out and move towards the ball, the referee will give a penalty,” Halsey said.
      “We see a lot of those given week in, week out.
      “That’s why the handball law is an ass.
      “They changed the law to try and simplify it but the new law has made it even more confusing.
      “The VAR was never going to overturn that. Both penalty decisions were correct.
      “We want to see the on-field referee making decisions. We don’t want referees not getting involved and waiting for VAR to help.
      “And fair play to David Coote because he made the decisions himself yesterday.”
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      Unfortunately for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka missed his penalty – that could have put Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging side in a commanding 3-1 lead.
      Instead, just moments later, they were pegged back to 2-2 when Jarrod Bowen squeezed an effort into the corner to dent Arsenal’s title hopes. More

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      Man Utd fans laud Ten Hag’s tactical masterstroke with ‘cheat code’ Dalot vs Forest… with even Arsenal fans jealous

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      ERIK TEN HAG’s deployment of Diogo Dalot at left-back against Nottingham Forest had Manchester United fans purring.The Dutchman deployed the right back on the opposite flank in order to accommodate both him and Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid the Red Devils’ defensive injury crisis.
      Diogo Dalot was in solid form against Nottingham Forest, bagging United’s secondCredit: AP
      United fans were left purring at his display at the City GroundCredit: AFP
      The Old Trafford faithful hailed Erik ten Hag’s decision to deploy Dalot at left-backCredit: AP
      The Portuguese was in rare form at the City Ground, where he doubled the United’s lead in the second half of their 2-0 win over the relegation battlers.
      And United fans were quick to hail Ten Hag for his tactical masterstroke, as well as “cheat code” Dalot.
      One wrote: “Dalot LB is a cheat code, I’ve seen enough.
      “Some of our fans don’t rate him lol, clueless. When [Luke] Shaw gets back, he plays CB to replace [Lisandro] Martinez with Dalot LB.”
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      A second agreed, saying: “Dalot LB is a cheat code.”
      And another said: “Erik Ten Hag made Diago Dalot to play LB and score a goal. What a manager.”
      One remarked: “Ten Hag spoke to him and he delivered.”
      Another chimed in: “Dalot plays LB today and bàgs 1st League goal. What is Ten Hag cooking.”
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      One of the Old Trafford faithful said: “Dalot at Lb opens up a whole new dimension.”
      Another said: “Dalot at inverted LB ten hag finding yet ANOTHER great solution to a squad personnel problem.”
      And Ten Hag’s switch even impressed watching Arsenal fans, who wished Mikel Arteta had thought of a similar defensive reshuffle in the 2-2 draw at West Ham.
      One wrote: “Why couldn’t Arteta do this with Tierney over Holding
      “Then put Zinny RB & White CB? Or just Kiwior?
      “Stubborness. Arrogance. That’s why.”
      United ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Antony and Dalot.
      The win saw the Red Devils leapfrog Newcastle into third place in the Premier League table and move six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
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      United will be back in action on Thursday, locking horns with Sevilla in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie at the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan stadium.
      And it’s all to play for in the second leg following a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last Tuesday. More

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      Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen shine as Antony stars but Harry Maguire struggles

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S United tightened their grip on a Champions’ League spot with their FOURTH win against Forest this season.Antony broke his six-month Premier goal scoring drought before Diogo Dalot marked his century of United appearances with his first Premier League goal. 
      Man Utd tightened their grip on a top four finish with a 2-0 win at Nottingham ForestCredit: Reuters
      The Red Devils have now won their last 10 fixtures against Forest in all competitions by an aggregate score of 36-3.
      United have scored at least three goals in each of their last six league games against Steve Cooper’s struggling Forest – so they fell short by one this time.
      But Ten Hag will be well satisfied as his patched up side moved above Newcastle into third spot.
      So who was United’s best player? And did anyone have a game to forget?
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      Here, SunSport’s Graeme Bryce delivers his player ratings…
      David De Gea – 7
      Gave Ten Hag an early scare when he suffered a leg injury which had Jack Butland warming up.
      Soldiered on to keep Forest at bay with a typically assured performance. Solid under considerable pressure in the air and brilliant with his distribution.
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      Aaron Wan-Bissaka –  7
      Produced an important early block to deny Awoniyi and showed a good understanding of Ten Hag’s tactics as he pushed into midfield when United were in possession. 
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      A really accomplished performance.
      Victor Lindelof – 7
      Handled his rare chance to partner Harry Maguire well and was the safe pair of hands United needed in the absence of Lisando Martinez.
      Marshalled his defence well and used the ball well. His calmness eventually rubbed off on Maguire.   
      Harry Maguire – 6
      Booked after three minutes when Awoniyi rolled him and he desperately wrestled him to the ground. That blunder left him walking a very long tightrope!
      Rode his luck when the ball came off his arm at a corner only for VAR to let him off the hook.
      Another tough day at the office for the confidence sapped England defender who improved as the game went on.
      Diogo Dalot – 8
      Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia opened the door for Dalot to stand-in at left-back – and boy did he revel in it!
      The Portuguese star snuffed out Brennan Johnson’s threat then, job done, he rampaged forward to celebrate his 100th United appearance with his first Premier League goal.
      His perfectly timed run on to Antony’s pass was finished like an expert.
      Diogo Dalot got on the scoresheet for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Casemiro – 7
      Played his way back into action with a typically assured performance and stopped many Forest attacks before they got started.
      By no means his best performance in a United shirt but it didn’t need to be as he did everything that was required of him.
      Christian Eriksen – 9
      How Forest must have wished Marcel Sabitzer hadn’t injured himself in the warm-up!
      That allowed Eriksen to start and pull the strings for United beside Casemiro as well as releasing Bruno Fernandez to play further forward.
      The Dane dominated proceedings and allowed Fernandes to have fun on the front foot.
      Antony – 8
      Pounced to beat Renan Lodi at the back post and break the deadlock after Navas could only push away Martial’s shot.
      That ended the Brazilian’s six-month wait for a Premier League goal after scoring in each of his first three Prem matches.
      Was a constant thorn in Forest’s side and produced an assist with a brilliant pass to pick out Dalot’s run at United’s second. 
      Bruno Fernandes – 9
      Ran Forest ragged with his surging runs from midfield and could have had a hat-trick in both halves but for desperate defending and some sensational goalkeeping from Navas.
      It was his classy first time pass which released Martial for United’s opener.
      On top of his game here as he terrorised Forest throughout.
      Antony was also on target as United made it three wins in a rowCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho – 7
      Gave United good balance on the left and produced plenty of nice touches.
      On this occasion the chances didn’t fall nicely for him but he can be satisfied with his afternoon’s work.
      Anthony Martial – 7
      Led the line well and brought others into play. But the Frenchman will be kicking himself for heading wide just before he was replaced by Wout Weghorst when he should have put the game beyond Forest.
      Not one of his most memorable games but in the absence of Marcus Rashford he can expect an extended run.
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      Weghorst – 6
      Replaced Martial after 71 minutes and made an impact as his decoy run dragged Forest’s defence around and created the gaping hole Dalot exploited to grab his goal.
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      Lucky to escape with a booking for an ill-advised petulant smack at Niakhate at the end.
      Fred – 5
      Came on for the imperious Eriksen with little more than 10 minutes left on the clock and made sure the back door remained locked. More

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      Nottingham Forest targeting Patrick Vieira as new boss if Steve Cooper is sacked just weeks after Crystal Palace axe

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are reportedly targeting Patrick Vieira as their new boss should Steve Cooper get the sack.The Arsenal legend is ready for a swift return to management just one month after being fired by Crystal Palace.
      Nottingham Forest are ready to move for Patrick Vieira if they sack Steve CooperCredit: Getty
      Cooper is under pressure after losing to Man UtdCredit: Getty
      And the Daily Star claims Vieira leads Forest’s managerial shortlist if they pull the trigger on under-pressure Cooper.
      Forest are in the relegation zone after suffering their 16th defeat of the season to Manchester United on Sunday.
      The struggling side are winless in their last 10 matches.
      And Cooper has already had the dreaded public vote of confidence from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
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      Vieira won just six matches this term before being replaced by Roy Hodgson, who has since recorded three victories on the bounce.
      But the Frenchman is deeply admired by Marinakis.
      And a change could be forthcoming should Forest continue to struggle for points.
      It is reckoned Vieira would prefer to wait until the summer before taking his next role.
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      He was strongly tipped to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds before Javi Gracia got the nod.
      But a tempting offer from Forest could change Vieira’s mind.
      As for Cooper, he has already been linked with a move up the ladder.
      Tottenham are thought to be looking at him after firing Antonio Conte.
      Cooper has strong “admirers” at the London club, who haven’t forgotten last year’s incredible promotion and his previous fine work at Swansea.
      Cooper only signed a new three-year contract with Forest in October.
      And Spurs would have to pay compensation to land him should he remain tied down to the City Ground. More

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      Nottingham Forest 0 Man Utd 2: Antony star of show with goal and classy assist in huge win for top four hopes

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      ERIK TEN HAG has waited patiently for Antony to look like an elite £82million performer.But against a dismal, relegation-haunted Nottingham Forest, the Brazilian winger Ten Hag signed from his former club Ajax netted his first Premier League goal in six months and produced an outstanding assist for Diogo Dalot to wrap up Manchester United’s victory.
      Antony stole the show at the City GroundCredit: AFP
      Diogo Dalot wrapped up the three points with a rare goalCredit: Getty
      Forest might have signed 30 players since winning promotion last summer and United may be riddled with injuries – but this was one of those matches which laid bare the quality gap between the top and bottom of the league.
      Steve Cooper is struggling to keep hold of his job after taking just three points from a ten-match winless run and his side lacked class and ambition as they were comprehensively outplayed.
      With a six-point lead and a game in hand on fifth-placed Tottenham, Ten Hag is surely leading United back to the Champions League and can now prioritise their bid for a cup treble.
      Antony showed great instincts to poke the first-half opener and then turned provider for Dalot.

      But had it not been for the heroics of Forest keeper Keylor Navas, it would have been a serious beating.
      United were battered by injuries and had suffered the sickener of chucking away a 2-0 lead through a pair of late own goals against Sevilla in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final.
      With Lisandro Martinez out for the season, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay all sidelined, Marcel Sabitzer pulled up lame in the warm-up and was replaced by Christian Eriksen.
      Eriksen, though, was excellent alongside Bruno Fernandes in a midfield which was simply too good for Cooper’s men.
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      Ten Hag’s men were at least buoyed by defeats for Newcastle and Tottenham, their rivals for Champions League places, on Saturday.
      Forest, in freefall, needed to recapture their early-season home form as several of their fellow relegation candidates clamber towards safety but they failed abjectly to ignite the City Ground crowd.
      United were almost ahead in the first minute, when a Fernandes centre was pushed out by Navas to Jadon Sancho but the winger’s shot was blocked by Felipe.
      Harry Maguire was swiftly into the book for wrestling over Taiwo Awoniyi to halt a Forest break – the England man was fuming with ref Simon Hooper but he was bang to rights.
      David De Gea was limping early on and Maguire was being derided as a ‘Leicester reject’ as he sent a routine pass into touch.
      But Fernandes soon let one rip and forced a flying save from Navas after some nifty footwork from Antony.
      United were looking ragged at the back early on, Dalot’s shocking back-pass conceded a corner from which Maguire appeared to handle with an out-stretched arm but neither Hooper nor his VAR Tony Harrington thought it was a penalty.
      So there was early hope for the Tricky Trees – and after Maguire had conceded a corner, Scott McKenna connected with the post, although he’d used his arm in doing so.
      But suddenly United seemed to flick a switch and ambushed Forest for the opener.
      It was Antony Martial who won an opportunistic tackle to rob Danilo, Fernandes playing a cute pass to feed the French striker, whose shot was pushed out by Navas but Antony darted ahead of Renan Lodi to poke home at the back post.
      The Brazilian winger hadn’t scored in the Premier League for more than six months, although he celebrated with a smug pose which suggested he’d been banging them in every week.
      Awoniyi was presented with an excellent chance just before the break after a dozy Fernandes pass turned attack into defence for United and another poor ball from Dalot inadvertently fed the Forest striker, who thrashed his shot over.
      Fernandes then thudded a free header wide from an excellent Eriksen centre.
      Forest hadn’t been committing too many bodies forward in the opening half but straight after the restart, wing-back Neco Williams burst forward and his centre struck Dalot on the foot, then an arm – but again the officials were unmoved.
      Antony, though, curled a shot narrowly wide and Fernandes blasted one from out on the left flank which Navas brilliantly turned onto the post.
      Soon, Navas was clawing one away at his near post from Fernandes and Forest were wilting badly, only their Costa Rican keeper averting a serious drubbing.
      Martial sent a header wide from a Casemiro cross and then made way for Wout Weghorst.
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      United had been threatening the second goal for a long stretch by the time Antony darted in from the right and played a sweet reverse pass to release Dalot, who thundered forward from left-back to lash past Navas.
      Forest had offered embarrassingly little and Ten Hag was now able to relax and prepare for United’s cup ties at Sevilla and against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. More

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      Mikel Arteta rips into Arsenal flops as they fold from 2-0 up AGAIN vs West Ham as boss slams lack of ‘killer’ instinct

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted Arsenal’s lack of killer instinct as they blew two more vital points in the title race.Bukayo Saka missed a penalty against struggling West Ham and the Prem leaders surrendered a two-goal lead for the second time in a week.
      Mikel Arteta was not impressed with his Arsenal side’s mentality as the dropped points vs West HamCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Arsenal flopped from 2-0 down for the second time in a rowCredit: Reuters
      Gunners fans couldn’t watch as their title hopes took a big blowCredit: Getty
      Rivals Manchester City are now just four points behind the Gunners with a game in hand and all the momentum on their side.
      Arsenal boss Arteta moaned: “When the game is there for the killing, you have to do it.
      “When you don’t have that ruthless mindset in the Premier League, at some stage the momentum will turn around.
      “It’s very disappointing. We started extremely well, dominated and scored two beautiful goals. We made a huge mistake to stop playing to score again.
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      “It just looked too easy. We thought we could just play around them and maintain the result and gave them hope.
      “We then conceded a terrible penalty and after that we got on the roller-coaster where all the corners and throw-ins were coming at us.
      “If you concede the goals we conceded and don’t score a penalty, in this league you are in big trouble.”
      It was the first time Arsenal had blown two-goal leads in successive Prem games.
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      And Arteta admitted: “We needed to do many things better and if you don’t defend the box the way you should, you concede goals like we did.
      “My worry is that after 2-0 we made a huge mistake and didn’t understand what the game required at that moment.
      “For sure, it’s a concern when you’re able to drop your level so quickly when the game is there to be won.”
      Arsenal travel to Treble-chasing champs City in nine days — in a clash Etihad boss Pep Guardiola has already dubbed “The Prem final”.
      Arteta added: “I have no idea what today means for the title race but we have to dig really deep and find the solution to what just happened.
      “It’s really difficult to win this league. Thirty minutes of playing well is just not enough.”
      We thought we could just play around them and maintain the result and at the moment we gave them hope.Mikel Arteta
      Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, who netted along with Gabriel Jesus inside ten minutes, admitted: “We did the same thing at Liverpool last week.
      “We started well but then stopped and allowed them to play to their strengths.
      “We did a lot of stupid things on the ball and gave them the game they wanted to play. And that’s on us.”
      Yet Arteta refused to point the finger at Saka for his 52nd-minute penalty miss when Arsenal were leading 2-1 and Michail Antonio handballed.
      Arteta said: “I don’t know any player who takes penalties who hasn’t missed.
      “Bukayo has been through this before and will again. If I had to pick one player to do that, it would be him again.”
      Said Benrahma’s penalty, after Gabriel felled Lucas Paqueta, and Jarrod Bowen’s volley means West Ham are four points clear of the drop with a game in hand.
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      Boss David Moyes said: “To come back from two down against a team playing as well as Arsenal was incredible.
      “We could easily have folded at 2-0 down but the penalty   got us back in it.” More

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      Arsenal fans highlight reason why West Ham penalty shouldn’t have been given after spotting incident in build up

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      ARSENAL fans believe West Ham’s first goal should not have stood as they claim the ball struck Declan Rice’s arm in the build-up.Said Benrahma converted the penalty to spark West Ham’s comeback, with the match ending 2-2 to dent Arsenal’s title hopes.
      The ball appeared to strike Declan Rice’s arm in the build-up to the penaltyCredit: PA
      There was also debate over whether Gabriel made contact with Lucas PaquetaCredit: Rex
      Gabriel brought down Lucas Paqueta in the penalty area and there appeared to be slight contact despite the Brazilian withdrawing his leg from the tackle.
      Many Gooners weren’t convinced, and some then felt even more aggrieved when they spotted Rice’s earlier involvement.
      The West Ham captain – and Arsenal transfer target – won possession after Thomas Partey failed in his attempt to flick the ball past him.
      Howeve,r replays appeared to show the ball touching Rice’s arm, leading Arsenal fans to bemoan the ref’s failure to award a free-kick.
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      One Arsenal fan wrote: “Clear handball missed by Var.”
      Another added: “He literally controlled the ball with his hand. A handball. Just as bad as hitting the ball with your hand, till it changes direction.”
      A third said: “I wonder why it was not replayed from different angles.”
      And another commented: “That is a clear handball.”
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      Arteta was asked about the incident in his post-match press conference but he refused to complain about the decision.
      He said: “I haven’t seen the image and it’s too late now. I don’t want to use it as an excuse, honestly.”
      Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey told SunSport that the officials were RIGHT to give the pen.
      He said: “There were suggestions Declan Rice handled the ball in the build up, but even if there was contact, it looked to be accidental and accidental handball is not an offence.
      “VAR would not get involved in that situation because it was subjective.” More